It’s no secret that the Cleveland Browns are stuck. And that too in one of the NFL’s most tangled quarterback messes! With Deshaun Watson’s massive contract weighing them down. Add to that, is the backup, Jameis Winston, really offering any flashes of promise? The team’s future hinges on making the best of a bad situation! But as analysts Mina Kimes and Linny unpacked in their YouTube discussion, the road ahead is anything but clear.

During an exchange on YouTube, Mina Kimes delivered a reality check for the Browns, pointing out the team’s predicament in no uncertain terms. “There’s no reason for them to play [Watson] at this point. I think we can all safely say it’s over.” The franchise, she argued, is better off focusing on damage control rather than doubling down on their mistake.  

Financially, the Watson contract—five years, $230 million, fully guaranteed—has Cleveland in a stranglehold. “They don’t have a lot of money to spend at the quarterback position,” Kimes added, explaining that even if the Browns want to pivot, their options are limited. And let’s face it, Watson’s Achilles injury and subpar performances haven’t exactly inspired confidence.  

Linny chimed in with a more optimistic lens, offering potential paths forward. “Maybe you could find someone that was an unusual situation,” she said, highlighting cases like Russell Wilson or Justin Fields potentially becoming available. But even then, she cautioned against hoping for a savior, noting that Cleveland may need a lucky break. “They’re going to have to do a Brock Purdy situation.” Translation? The Browns must scavenge the quarterback market and hope to strike gold.  

Both analysts landed on Jameis Winston as a logical stopgap. Kimes laid out a pragmatic approach. “See if they can get Winston back on a short-term, reasonable, middle-class quarterback type [contract] and continue throwing draft picks, seeing if someone sticks.” Linny agreed but suggested the Browns look for someone with a high floor, even if the ceiling isn’t spectacular, and lean on their roster strength, including a healthier Nick Chubb and a revamped offensive line.  

Watson’s clouded legacy and the NFL’s final verdict  

Off the field, Watson’s saga continues to overshadow his time in Cleveland. Recently, the NFL closed its investigation into assault allegations filed in September. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.” While this may clear Watson legally, the court of public opinion remains skeptical.  

Watson, of course, has denied all allegations, and his attorney, Rusty Hardin, has consistently pushed back against accusations. Despite settling with 23 of the 24 women who previously came forward, the September case—and the league’s eventual decision to close it—highlights the murkiness of Watson’s situation.  

The Browns, however, are now in the lurch. Had the NFL found grounds for discipline, Cleveland might have had a slim chance to void parts of Watson’s contract. But now? They’re stuck with a QB who has played only 19 games in three seasons. All the while putting up the worst Total QBR in the league before his season-ending injury! 

In Watson’s absence, Winston stepped up. Literally going 2-3 as a starter and injecting some life into Cleveland’s stagnant offense. Indications through reports? Winston can return anytime, and well that could offer the Browns a temporary reprieve. Still, their massive financial commitment to Watson—$46 million annually through 2026—limits their ability to strengthen other areas!

For a franchise that gambled big on Watson, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As one report bluntly put it, “The Browns are stuck navigating his massive contract while dealing with a disappointing season.” And what if Watson recovers from his Achilles injury? There’d still be questions about his form, durability, and long-term viability. And they’ll probably still be unanswered!